Electric Blue Ahli Cichlid
Scientific Name: Hemichromis bimaculatus
Recommended Aquarium: 50+ Gallons
Approx. Adult Size: 6 inches
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Ease of Care: Easy
Diet: Omnivore
Native Waters: Guinea & Liberia
The bright blue-green, iridescent scale tips of the Jewel Cichlid help make it an aquarium favorite. First described by Gill in 1862, the Jewel Cichlid is actually a Hemichromis bimaculatus . Found in the streams of Western Africa, the Jewel is somewhat peaceful unless spawning. It prefers an aquarium with dense planting and smaller rocks. It will burrow behind a rock to lay its eggs, and both parents will guard the egg clutch and the free swimming fry. They will often move the fry once they have hatched to a safer location. Their body has a red undertone with iridescent speckling near the gill, along with three black dots spaced out along the body and tail.
Approximate arrival size for Jewel Cichlid:
Small: 1 to 2 inches; Medium: 2 to 3 inches; Large 4 to 5 inches
